Choose your own adventure
Language Registers
There are five language registers or styles. Each level has an appropriate use that is determined by differing situations. It is important to use the appropriate language register which depends upon the audience (who), the topic (what), purpose (why) and location (where).
- Static Register - This style of communications rarely or never changes. EXAMPLES: the Pledge of Allegiance, the Lord’s Prayer, the Preamble to the US Constitution, the Alma Mater, a bibliographic reference, laws.
- Formal Register - This language is used in formal settings and is one-way in nature. This use of language usually follows a commonly accepted format and is usually impersonal and formal. EXAMPLE: sermons, rhetorical statements and questions, speeches, pronouncements made by judges, announcements.
- Consultative Register - This is a standard form of communications where users engage in a mutually accepted structure of communications. It is formal and societal expectations accompany the users of this speech. It is professional discourse. EXAMPLE: when strangers meet, communications between a superior and a subordinate, doctor and patient, lawyer and client, lawyer and judge, teacher and student, counselor and client.
- Casual Register - This is informal language used by peers and friends. Slang, vulgarities and colloquialisms are normal. This is “group” language where one must be member to engage in this register. EXAMPLES: buddies, teammates, chats and emails, and blogs, and letters to friends.
- Intimate Register - This communications is private. It is reserved for close family members or intimate people. EXAMPLE: husband and wife, boyfriend and girlfriend, siblings, parent and children.
Rule of Language Use:
One can usually transition from one language register to an adjacent one without encountering repercussions. However, skipping one or more levels is usually considered inappropriate and even offensive.
Source: Montano-Harmon, M. R. “Developing English for Academic Purposes” California State University, Fullerton.
DIRECTIONS
- Choose one of the people to imitate.
- After you have chosen your person, think about the following situation: You are taking a stroll through the mall when someone approaches you. It is one of the persons described in the list above. What do you imagine this person will say to you? Will all of the above people speak to you in the same way?
- Think about what registry you would use when interacting with this person.